-
Gossip Friday: Carole Lombard vs. a Bee
From November 1940: Carole Lombard reported on the “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” set with a huge bump on the nose and a lump on the ear, result of a Mr. and Mrs. fishing trip (Gable’s the Mr.) with two bees practically eating her up. Gable sends her a pound of honey a day, as a gag.
-
{New Article} 1940: I Was Afraid of Rhett Butler
It’s no secret that Clark didn’t want the role of Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind. Nowadays, if people do know his name, it is for that role alone–unless they are TCM fans. This article is one of many that appeared around the time GWTW was released, in which Clark tells why he didn’t want the role–too much pressure–and tries to dispel the rumor that Margaret Mitchell wrote the character of Rhett specifically with him in mind. This one’s short, so here it is in its entirety: I Was Afraid of Rhett Butler By Clark Gable Liberty magazine, February 1940 Rhett Butler really put me on a spot, a…
-
Gossip Friday: Clark Pranks Spencer
From January 1941: You won’t find two greater pranksters in all of Hollywood than Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy. So when Spencer returned to town from a trip to New York and found an invitation to dine with the Gables, he knew there was something up. Accompanied by Mrs. Tracy, he arrived at the Gable ranch, fully expecting some gag. All during dinner, he was on pins and needles waiting for the joke to pop. Up until the moment he and Mrs. Tracy were at the door ready to leave, he looked furtively about, expecting something to happen. But all had gone divinely well. Finally,Spencer mopped his brow nervously and…
-
{New Article} 1955: Live Alone and Like It?
This article from 1955 is of a common theme, one that was often repeated after Carole Lombard’s death and especially since Clark divorced Sylvia Ashley: Who will be the next Mrs. Gable? Could Clark possibly be happy all alone? Clark Gable is fifty-four years old. He has been married four times. Before each of these marriages, he ardently courted the woman who was to become his wife. During this period, he steadfastly denied any matrimonial intention. Gable is currently squiring Kay Williams Spreckels, “an old friend” he has known for years. Kay recently had her former husband, Adolph Spreckels, thrown in prison for beating her up. “I’ve had enough of…
-
Gossip Friday: Missing Something…
From February 1941: Did you know that Clark Gable sleeps in only the upper part of his pajamas? ____ Oh my…
-
July Movie of the Month: A Free Soul (1931)
I began writing “Movie of the Month” posts in July two years ago, to start something new to celebrate the first anniversary of the site. For the first one, I selected Wife vs. Secretary because it’s one of my personal favorites and the following July I selected It Happened One Night because of its importance. I’m continuing the tradition of selecting an “important” Gable film in July with A Free Soul, the film that made Clark Gable a star. Gable is Ace Wilfong, a gangster on trial for murder being represented by upper class defense attorney Stephan Ashe (Lionel Barrymore). Stephan, while successful as an attorney, is an alcoholic who is…
-
Gossip Friday: It’s a Wrap for Gone with the Wind
From October 1939: Most welcome news of a “completion party” for a picture came from Selznick studios. On one of the “Gone with the Wind” stages, refreshments were served and all who had worked on the picture were invited to come. Carole Lombard came, anyhow. Said her sense of curiosity drove her to it, since she’d never believe it was actually happening without seeing it with her own eyes. Cameraman Fred Parrish, who had made a record 6,000 stills for this one picture, arrived to take a few more of the party. But Gable insisted he put down the camera and relax. “As it is,” Gable pointed out, “you’ll probably be…
-
We’re Three!
Today marks the third anniversary of this website, I am very happy to announce! (Technically it was yesterday but I had some posting problems…) So thank you, thank you, to you many Clark Gable fans who support me, who send me pictures, who have mailed me radio shows, who email me and discuss anything Gable related. Thank you for helping me keep Clark’s films and legacy alive! To date, there are over 10,500 pictures in the gallery– here are some of my favorites from the past year: There is so much more to come so stayed tuned!
-
Gossip Friday: Carole Waits for Her Man
From July 1937: True Love Note: Carole Lombard waited at the studio gates for Clark Gable to finish a couple of retakes the other night. She waited until 2:00am!!
-
{New Article} 1934: Let’s Go Home with Clark Gable
I was excited about this article as it is the first I know of to provide a detailed description of the Brentwood home Clark Gable shared with second wife Ria in the early 1930’s. They moved here soon after Clark struck stardom gold in 1931. Clark moved out in 1935 and into the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. In 1939, he moved into Carole Lombard’s St. Cloud home and soon after, his Encino ranch, which would be his last home. I believe Ria stayed here until she left Hollywood for good in the 1940’s. Usually I only post a few paragraphs of an article in a blog post, but this one is…